CAIRO – 20 July 2018: The British Ambassador to Egypt John Casson commented on the summit between Grand Imam of al-Azhar Ahmed el-Tayyib and Queen Elizabeth II in London last week, saying that the forum is one way to build bridges of confidences and respect between both countries.

“Nowadays, some people think religion is the source of trouble but I believe it can be the solution. We must invest in interfaith dialogues and prepare young generations to become future leaders and spread compassion, deeper understanding and partnership with people who are different. This forum is one of the many steps with which the UK and Egypt come together as partners to build bridges of confidence and respect to have inclusive, peaceful and flourishing societies,” a statement by the UK Embassy in Cairo quoted Casson.

The Grand Imam was in London to participate in an honest and hope-filled interfaith dialogue during the First Emerging Peacemakers Forum, added the statement. He also met with Archbishop of Canterbury at Windsor Castle in London.

The Grand Imam and the Queen of Britain held talks during which he expressed his pleasure at visiting Britain and meeting her majesty as well as visiting the magnificent historic Windsor Palace, al-Azhar’s press release mentioned.

Queen Elizabeth welcomes the Grand Imam of Al Azhar to the UK - to participate in the Emerging Peacemakers Forum organized by Al-Azhar Al-Shareef and @JustinWelby to connect youth from different faiths & nations. pic.twitter.com/f50Tg0iF0y

The Grand Imam stated that al-Azhar al-Sharif takes pride in having profound relationships with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the case which sets an example of cooperation and communication among the leaders and followers of different faiths and cultures.

The grand imam also demonstrated that al-Azhar al-Sharif opens channels of dialogue and communication with all, while seeking to inculcate the values of coexistence and dialogue, and the acceptance of the Other. It further encourages the followers of different faiths and cultures to positively integrate within their communities.

“Al-Azhar opens new channels of dialogue with all parties to instill the values of peace and coexistence. The relationship between Al-Azhar and Canterbury gives an example of cooperation between the leaders and followers of religions,” the Grand Imam said according to the press release.

On her part, Queen Elizabeth II welcomed the Grand Imam in his second visit to London. She indicated that the world strongly relies on religious leaders to enhance world peace and stability.

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Dr. Ahmed el-Tayyeb meets Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle in London on Thursday/ Press Photo / CC PAImages

The Queen of Britain alluded to the growing cooperation ties between al-Azhar al-Sharif and the Archbishop of Canterbury. She expressed her happiness for his reverence’s acceptance of the invitation extended by Dr. Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, to stay in Lambeth Palace, the premises of the Archbishop.

“The world strongly relies on religious leaders to enhance world peace. I am pleased that your Reverence has accepted the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury to stay at Lambeth Palace,” the Azhar press release quoted from Queen Elizabeth II.

The imam also met with five of the UK-Al Azhar scholarship students who are currently studying for their PhDs at British universities. The Religious Studies scholarship was established in 2015 by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, and the British Ambassador, John Casson. Since 2016, six scholarships have been awarded, and each scholarship is worth up to £170,000 per candidate. Three new scholars expect to commence their scholarships this autumn.